Pets' odd behavior could mean dementia

Companion animals are now enjoying longer lives, thanks to improvements in veterinary care and nutrition. But there's a down side to that: dementia.

BRIAN J. LOWNEY

Does your dog wake up in the middle of the night and pace back and forth in a frenzy?

Perhaps your cat scratches up a storm in its litter box, and then relieves itself on the kitchen floor.

While these behaviors may be caused by underlying medical conditions, the family pet could also be suffering from dementia, or cognitive dysfunction as the condition is called in veterinary medicine.

According to Dr. Thomas M. Burns, hospital director of Cape Cod Veterinary Associates in South Yarmouth, there is no known cause of this progressive disease.

"Among the suspected culprits is vascular damage leading to hypoxia in the brain, beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, oxidative stress or modification of proteins in the brain," Burns says. Hypoxia occurs when a particular region of the body is deprived of an adequate oxygen supply.

The veterinarian reports that companion animals are now enjoying longer lives, thanks to improvements in veterinary care and nutrition. But there's a down side to that: dementia.

"With an increasing senior pet population, we are seeing more pets with apparent dementia," Burns says. A recent veterinary study revealed that more than 25 percent of cats ages 11-14, and more than 50 percent of felines age 15 and older experienced at least one senior onset of a behavioral problem.

"In dogs, cognitive dysfunction can develop as early as age 10," he says. "However, it is usually seen in dogs that are older."

Burns notes that published data shows that some prescription medications may be helpful in slowing the progression of the neurological disease. Veterinarians traditionally prescribe Selegiline or Anipryl for both cats and dogs, he says, while newer drugs, such as Senilife and Novofit have shown some progress, and may be used together.

"There is some anecdotal evidence that diet can help early to moderate cognitive dysfunction," he says, though he is unaware of any definitive study that's been conducted to determine if nutrition affects the progression of the disease.

According to Burns, Hill's, a leading manufacturer of pet foods, produces Prescription Diet Canine Brain Diet, a specifically formulated dog food developed with a blend of antioxidants and other nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids to fight the symptoms associated with cognitive dysfunction and advancing age.

"Veterinarians first must rule out underlying medical conditions that could mimic the clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction," Burns emphasizes. He lists kidney or liver diseases, high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and a reduction in vision or hearing as being examples of medical conditions often found in senior dogs that mirror signs of cognitive dysfunction.

"Only after a thorough senior evaluation, that includes laboratory work and testing — such as blood pressure — can a patient be considered to have cognitive dysfunction," Burns says. "There is no definitive test for cognitive dysfunction. It is diagnosed by exclusion of other medical conditions."

Pet writer and radio talk host Steve Dale says the symptoms of cognitive dysfunction are similar to those found in humans. He uses the acronym DISH (disorientation, interaction, sleep, house-training) to explain the debilitating condition.

For example, when a dog is disoriented, the canine seems confused, forgets the location of its food dish and knocks into furniture.

Affectionate dogs suffering from some form of dementia may suddenly withdraw and become socially isolated, while once shy and reserved canines want to interact with their owners by begging for attention and becoming unusually vocal.

Like many humans suffering from cognitive dysfunction, dogs may also experience changes in their sleep-wake cycle. It's not uncommon for these canines to anxiously pace back and forth during the night when the rest of the family is trying to sleep.

A house-trained dog that frequently barks to be let outside, and quickly returns and urinates on the kitchen floor or living room rug may also be experiencing cognitive dysfunction.

Both Burns and Dale say it's crucial for cats and dogs to be examined every six months to rule out physiological causes for behavioral changes.

The author says that it's important for owners to keep their canines active to help prevent the onset of the neurological disease.

"Keep your dog in training," he advises, adding that exercise not only keeps a dog mentally alert, but also in good physical condition.

Dale also suggests that owners purchase a wooden puzzle that will challenge canines to use their problem-solving skills to move pegs to find treats.

"Begin before they get so old and cognitive changes set in," he urges.

Dog book author and medical writer Lexiann Grant reports that Wylie, her 15 year-old Norwegian elkhound, is suffering from cognitive dysfunction and requires a great deal of care.

"Wylie has also become very difficult to groom," she laments. "We have to muzzle and sedate to trim toenails and even regular brushing stresses him terribly. He becomes anxious, pants and often just falls down. He always tries to get away."

Grant describes the elkhound's behavior as a "huge change" for the former show dog.

"He used to jump on the grooming table when we told him 'table' and would stand for a couple of hours being prepped for the ring," she recalls.